Developing Markets: Council Supports Ethanol Implementation In Mexico

To support the development of ethanol blending programs in Mexico, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) organized a trade team of oil and gas industry leaders to help them better understand the production process, transport logistics and the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol.

“The Mexican government is eager to implement ethanol blending up to 10 percent (E10) and the Council has been actively working to facilitate that process through educational programs like this trade team,” said Galo Galeana, USGC ethanol consultant. “Mexico is a key trading partner for U.S. agriculture and the possibility of exporting ethanol there as well is an exciting opportunity for the U.S. industry.”

The agenda began at Valero’s headquarters in San Antonio. Valero is a leading fuel manufacturer and attendees learned about the transition to producing ethanol-blended fuel and its compatibility with retail fuel stations.

The team then traveled to Houston for a tour of a local Eco-Energy ethanol plant, a company that handles more than two billion gallons of ethanol per year, where participants enjoyed a more detailed look at the precise process of ethanol production.

Lastly, the group met with staff from Council partner Growth Energy, the largest biofuel trade association in the country, at a major retail fuel station to observe consumer trends and discuss how ethanol is delivered and presented to customers.

“The agenda allowed the group to get a comprehensive overview of the ethanol production chain, all the way to the consumer, that was extremely beneficial for participants’ overall understanding of how Mexico can begin implementing ethanol blending as well,” Galeana said.

Learn more about the Council’s work in Mexico here.